CANFIELD, Ohio - The plan to test how widespread the contamination from a chemical spill in Canfield is being called “incomplete and technically inadequate” by the Ohio EPA. 

Material Science Corporation began working with environmental experts August Mack to conduct downstream sampling in Sawmill Creek.

They drew up that plan and submitted it to the Ohio EPA for approval but the EPA sent that plan back with eight pages detailing a total of 23 corrections they wanted to see. 

Some of them are minor corrections like defining “the high school” and the “bike path” in the report to state Canfield High School and the Mill Creek MetroParks Bike Trail. 

Others are more in depth like installing several more wells to determine the extent of the plume, assessing more properties around MSC, and evaluating the perched or groundwater at more sites.

In July of 2024, a mechanical issue at MSC caused waste water to spill into storm drains. Residents have been concerned about if any chemicals are impacting the area near Canfield High School or the bike trail which sits right behind the building.

"MSC, August Mack, and Ohio EPA have been communicating regularly regarding the RCRA Facility Investigation Workplan since submittal and the recent Notice of Deficiency was not unexpected. The NOD format is how Ohio EPA shares written comments regarding revisions and additions.  As with any environmental investigation,  August Mack will provide a written response to the NOD and including workplan revisions and additions as appropriate," a statement from MSC said. 

"In addition, MSC will continue to provide updates to the public through its website and the email communications. Anyone who wants to receive email updates from MSC can subscribe to those notices at MSCResponse.com," the statement added. 

The letter states MSC has until July 30 to reply to the Ohio EPA with changes to their plan.

The full notice of deficiency from the Ohio EPA to MSC can be found here.